Page 27 - VT Student Handbook-Rev 6.12.19_Neat

Murray State College
Veterinary Technology
Student Handbook

Pregnancy Policy

Murray State College and the Veterinary Technology Program recognize that decisions
about the welfare of future children must be left to the parents who conceive, bear,
support, and raise them. It is highly recommended that any student who believes she
may be pregnant immediately report the pregnancy to a staff member and submit both
the Health Status Release Statement from her physician and the Physician Visit Checklist
st
for Pregnancy. The first three months (1 trimester) are when the fetus is most
vulnerable to injury.
All efforts will be made to minimize the exposure of any pregnant student to chemical,
physical, or infectious agents that may be hazardous to the student and the fetus.
Areas of potential risks and concern for pregnancy include (but not limited to):
Anesthetics (gas inhalation; injectable solutions through skin absorption or needle
sticks)
Cats (when possible avoid fecal sample collection, handling, or wear gloves for
protection)
Follow all protocols for handling disinfectants, insecticides, and all other chemicals
while in clinical areas.
Avoid any heavy lifting (including stall cleaning)
Minimize contact with large animals including working large animal head catch
Avoid any radiological procedures.
Avoid exposure to zoonotic diseases including, but not limited to: leptospirosis,
Salmonellosis, toxoplasmosis, brucellosis, cat scratch disease, fungal diseases,
psittacosis, rabies, Lyme disease, tuberculosis, and West Nile virus.

Policy on Continuation of the Program:
Disclosure of pregnancy will require a review of the student’s status in the Program.
The Program Director or designated staff member will discuss the risks and hazards
posed by the remaining veterinary technology courses to the fetus and mother. If
deemed necessary by the student, the student’s physician and/or the Program Director,
the student may request a Leave of Absence. The student may then re-enroll in the next
appropriate semester (usually one year later).
If agreed between all parties (student, student’s physician and Coordinator) with
continuation of the Program, the following guidelines will be followed:
 The pregnant student must follow the established program policies and meet the
same clinical and educational criteria as all other students before graduation.
 The student will follow all safety precautions as outlined by the Program Director
or designate, by the student’s physician and instructor in the course.
 Faculty and staff may remove the student from a particular lab or class should
they feel participation may endanger the mother or her fetus.

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